Ukraine women activists strip to protest Euro 2012

•2 December 2011

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A police officer detains a topless woman protesting against alleged attempts to legalize prostitution during the Euro 2012 in Ukraine prior to the final draw for the Euro 2012 soccer tournament in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Dec. 2, 2011. Ukrainian women's rights activists staged a topless demonstration at Kiev's Olympic Stadium to protest what they say are attempts to legalize prostitution during the 2012 European Championship. (AP Photo/Ferdinand Ostrop)

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian women's rights activists have staged a topless demonstration at Kiev's Olympic Stadium to protest what they say are attempts to legalize prostitution during the 2012 European Championship.

Five members of the Femen group chanted slogans and displayed banners criticizing tournament organizer UEFA.

Femen spokeswoman Inna Shevchenko says UEFA is "trying to influence our government" to legalize prostitution during the June 8-July 1 tournament. UEFA is making the draw Friday.

Kiev police arrived at the gates of the downtown stadium five minutes later.

The women were dragged into a police vehicle and driven away.

Femen has established an international reputation for staging semi-naked protests in Ukraine and abroad.